Ecuador and Galapagos.
Short Galapagos Vacation - Coral

Eastern Islands Overview

The Coral yachts are comfortable and elegant mid-sized vessels with either 18 cabins accommodating up to 36 passengers or 10 cabins for 20 passengers which are perfect for Galapagos adventure vacations. Each cabin is furnished with lower berths, bronze accents, 5-channel LCD TV, and telephones. The public areas boast large picture windows and meals may be in the dining room or al fresco.

Explore the fascinating blend of Indian and Spanish culture in Quito, South America's oldest capital city and designated UN World Heritage Site, and voyage among the unique Galapagos Islands. This 5 day/4 night Galapagos cruise features the highlights of the archipelago in a shorter itinerary for those looking for a week-long vacation. Discover plants and animals unique to particular islands as you travel throughout the archipelago. Our expert naturalist guides explain how these species have evolved and adapted over time. You will visit several major wildlife sites, and snorkel in one of the world’s most amazing National Marine Preserves. Meet exotic and bizarre wildlife as you venture among cinder cones, lava flows, beautiful beaches, and rocky cliffs.

Eastern Islands - Day 1: Quito

Your Galapagos adventure starts when you arrive in Quito and transfer to Swissotel, a beautiful Euro-style hotel well-located in the stylish neighborhood of "La Floresta". Overnight Swissotel.

Eastern Islands - Day 2: Quito

We begin our Ecuador vacation with a half-day city tour of colonial Quito, including the bustling Independence Plaza, the dazzling gold-leafed altars of La Compania Church, and the impressive San Francisco Church. Visit the Mitad del Mundo Equatorial marker and ethnographic village and museum. Afternoon and evening are free to explore this beautifully restored city with its busy pedestrian plazas, shops, coffee bars, pubs, and many excellent restaurants. Overnight Swissotel.

Eastern Islands - Day 3: Cerro Colorado Tortoise Center

Private transfer in the morning to the domestic airport for the flight to the Galapagos. Upon arrival, meet your naturalist guide and set off to visit the tortoise breeding center on San Cristobal. Learn about the efforts to return these gentle giants to their native habitat. Return to the yacht at sunset for your briefing followed by dinner. Overnight on the Coral.

Eastern Islands - Day 4: San Cristobol

This morning we visit Cerro Brujo, a beautiful white power-sand beach, said to be one of the most spectacular in Galapagos. Here we have an opportunity to snorkel directly from the beach, where you may spot turtles or flamingos. Following lunch onboard and repositioning of the vessel, we visit the northeast tip of San Cristobal, Punta Pitt. This is a tuff formation that serves as a nesting site for many sea birds including blue footed, Nazca and red-footed boobies, frigatebirds, swallow-tailed gulls and storm petrels. Punta Pitt is considered to be a first class site for birders, so don’t forget your binoculars! Overnight on the Coral.

Eastern Islands - Day 5: Bartolome

This morning, visit tiny Mosquera Islet, a flat sandy island with a large colony of sea lions. This presents a great opportunity to observe many shore birds such as lava gulls, herons, and more. Return to the yacht for repositioning to Bartolome, perhaps one of the most iconic views of the Galapagos Islands. Our hike here is reminiscent of walking on the moon. While inhospitable to most plants and animals, this young island is breathtaking in its stark beauty. After a dry landing, climb 30 minutes up stairs leading to the summit of a once active volcano. Along the way, we pause to marvel at lava bombs, spatter cones and cinder cones. From the top of the wooden stairs, gaze out across the island for a panoramic view of the surrounding archipelago and iconic "Pinnacle Rock", an eroded tuff cone. Down below, crystal clear water is an invitation to snorkel from the beach or Zodiac with schools of tropical fish and Galapagos Penguins. Overnight on the Coral.

Eastern Islands - Day 6: Rabida/Santiago

Rabida is considered the geologic center of the Galapagos, and is one of the most surreal of the islands with dark red sand and a diverse volcanic geology. Nesting Brown pelicans may be seen from July through September and nine species of Darwin’s finches may be seen here as well. A Zodiac ride takes us to sheer cliffs which serve as nesting sites for a variety of sea birds. There is also an opportunity to snorkel with the rich marine life here. Following lunch onboard, The afternoon’s visit to Puerto Egas offers a chance to stroll with your naturalist guide along the shoreline looking for octopus, starfish and other sea life caught in the tide pools. At low tide, catch a glimpse of marine iguanas as they feed on exposed green algae. Watch for great blue herons, lava herons, American oystercatchers and yellow-crowned night herons. Our walk ends at the grottos, deep pools of clear water where we encounter fur sea lions once on the verge of extinction. Before returning to the yacht, dawn your snorkeling gear and dive in to mingle with massive numbers of brilliant tropical fish.

Eastern Islands - Day 7: Santa Cruz / Quito

After a morning visit to the lush highlands of Santa Cruz, searching for giant tortoises in their natural habitat, an afternoon flight takes you back to Quito in time for your return flight home, or consider extending your trip. We encourage our travelers to add time to explore the rich diversity of the Ecuadorian mainland, be it the cultural treasures of the Andean highland villages or colonial Cuenca, the incredible wildlife of the Yasuni Biosphere Reserve or the avian haven of Mindo-Tandayapa cloud forest. Ask us for details!